About us

We independently fund and support promising research in areas of great clinical need but where there is low investment, creating the conditions required to take the improvement of human health to new and exciting frontiers.

Our story

We’ve been helping to fund medical research since 1926 and improving human health is a research topic that will go on forever…

The public have been supporting the MRC to advance medical research for more than 90 years, often by leaving gifts in their Wills – and we are thankful for that longstanding support.

Whilst formed by the MRC, the Foundation is independent and able to respond to the research community needs flexibly

History

The Medical Research Council (MRC) was founded in 1913 and in 1920 a royal charter was put in place which allowed it to accept donations from the public as well as from the government.

From 1968 this income was formally registered with the Charity Commission. The Medical Research Foundation was registered with the Commission in 2011 so that the funds were managed under a modern (Charitable Company) governance structure.

Whilst formed by the MRC, the Foundation is independent and able to respond to the research community needs flexibly, whilst retaining our unique connection with the MRC and benefiting from its expertise and heritage.

That heritage is remarkable: scientists associated with the MRC have received a total of 29 Nobel Prizes.

We need public support more than ever – make a donation to help us fund more high quality research and improve human health.

Support us

Help change lives

We fund and support the most promising health research wherever we discover great opportunities that are not being pursued.
We use our donations responsibly and ensure we make the greatest impact where it is most needed.